Winfield, 35, is expected to be a nickelback in Seattle alongside starting corners Richard Sherman and Brandon Browner. Winfield was a Pro Bowl selection from 2008 to 2010 and had 101 tackles and three interceptions in 2012, when he started 15 games as a member of the Minnesota Vikings.

Winfield was released by the Vikings a month ago, a move that saved Minnesota about $7.5 million on the salary cap.

The Vikings were interested in re-signing Winfield, but he opted to join Seattle.

"I'm definitely excited about the opportunity to play in Seattle," Winfield told ESPN's Josina Anderson. "They're a great football team. Those guys did an excellent job last season.

"They're young, athletic and energetic. I'm excited to play with Richard (Sherman), Brandon (Browner), Kam (Chancellor) and Earl (Thomas) because they're some of the most talented players on defense in the NFL right now."

The Seahawks have been aggressive in player acquisition all offseason, and added Winfield's former teammate, wide receiver Percy Harvin, via trade while also signing defensive ends Cliff Avril and Michael Bennett.

A first-round pick in 1999, Winfield played the first five years of his career with the Buffalo Bills. He signed a six-year deal with the Vikings in 2004.